What Online School Looks Like: A Student Day in the Life Q&A With Grace

SAC Blog Series: Each year, the K12 Marketing Department hires a cohort of high school interns known as the Student Advisory Council or SAC. This year, the talented group of students is creating social media content across platforms to help build brand awareness and engage our audiences around the online learning experience.

Let’s get to know these amazing SAC students. We asked them what makes online school so great, and here’s what Grace had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online school? Why does online learning work for you?

I love the flexibility; I can work at my own pace, on my own schedule, and in whatever setting works best for me. Without online school, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the things I have, like working multiple jobs, starting businesses, advocating for others, and pursuing leadership roles.

Did you previously attend a brick-and-mortar school?

Yes, I attended brick-and-mortar school until sixth grade. Originally, I made the switch because of COVID-19. When COVID first hit, my previous school attempted online learning, and honestly, it didn’t go well. That experience pushed me to join K12, and I ended up choosing to stay.

The transition was pretty smooth. Starting a new school, especially one so different, is always a little tough, but K12 made it as easy as possible.

Did anything surprise you about online school?

The number of opportunities! Many people assume online school limits things like clubs and competitions, but it’s been the exact opposite for me. I wouldn’t be able to do even half of what I do now without it.

What’s something you can do in online school that you couldn’t in your old school?

I travel, work, explore my passions, take part in internships, and give back to my community, to name a few things.

My Online School Day

Can you describe a typical day and week for your virtual school experience?

I usually start by logging into class. After I finish schoolwork, I head to my first job walking dogs, then shift gears to work on content creation for K12. Later, I focus on my advocacy work and leadership roles.

But every day is different, one day I might be writing a paper in bed, and the next I could be on the other side of the world. That’s the beauty of online school: it’s always an adventure.

What classes are you taking right now?

I’m currently taking biology, Spanish, and modern world history.

I’m in the Health Science career pathway. I’ve taken Health Science 1 and am taking Medical Terminology now, and I’m looking forward to more courses to come through those.

Can you talk about your dual enrollment experience?

I just started the process, actually. Within a few days, I learned about dual enrollment, applied, and was accepted into a local university. So far, it’s been smooth, and I’m super excited to start classes this fall. It’s such an incredible opportunity, something I wouldn’t have been able to access in a traditional school.

Do you have a favorite part of the day?

Definitely when I get to kick back, relax, and focus on my writing. Writing is a huge part of my life. In my spare time, I publish poetry.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I love baking, reading, writing poetry, and riding my bike. I adore reading. I love reading romance. My favorite author is André Aciman.

My Teachers & Classmates

Who’s your favorite teacher?

Science is my favorite subject, and my biology teacher, Mrs. Hilton, is my favorite teacher. She’s amazing.

Almost all of my teachers have been incredible. Some have gone out of their way to make me feel safe and supported, like wishing me good luck before big tests, sending birthday cards, or even playing songs they knew I’d love before class. 

How do your teachers support you in online school?

They’re always there for me, after class, through emails, or during office hours. Most genuinely care and are always happy to help.

How do you stay connected with friends? Have you met friends through online school?

I stay connected through club outings, meetups, competitions, and more. And yes, I’ve made so many friends through online school.

Are you in any school clubs?

Yes! I’m a leader in several nationally recognized clubs like Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society (NHS), BETA, and others specific to my school, like student council. I’m currently running for multiple officer positions. BETA is focused on leadership and service and has lots of opportunities for involvement. I have more than 100 service hours this year alone so far. I’ve been in BETA for more than seven years and HOSA for more than four. I’ll head to the BETA National Competitions this summer after placing #1 in my state for photography!

What are your hobbies?

I’m a national advocate for youth living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or CMT. I serve on the Youth Council for the CMT Association and am an Ambassador for the CMT Research Foundation. I’ve worked with top researchers, national nonprofits, and even celebrities to raise awareness and support. Online school makes my work possible; it gives me the time and flexibility to help others while pursuing my passions.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My workspace changes all the time. I have a basic desk, but I love working in unconventional places, sometimes in bed, sometimes by the ocean. Being able to learn anywhere is what makes online school so special to me.

The most interesting places I’ve done schoolwork are perhaps the real Dracula castle or the set of the viral Netflix series Wednesday in Romania.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

I want to go into healthcare and study neurology.

Do you feel that online school is helping you prepare for the future?

Absolutely. K12 has given me real-world experiences, time management skills, and access to advanced classes. It’s helped me grow both academically and personally.

Thank you, Grace! To learn more about the K12 Student Advisory Council, visit their webpage, or see how your high school student can thrive in online school with K12-powered programs.

Grace is a 2025 student at a K12-powered school in SC, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.